How it works

1. In the first instance, we’ll work out how much feed you need. A call to an industry or levy body will get you a free stock take assessment of your feed planning needs.

2. In the second instance, where it’s required, we can offer more advice and practical support. An advisor will help you understand what needs to be done and how you can go about it.

3. Finally, we can also refer you to someone who can offer more in-depth support. We can refer you to a farm systems consultant, who can provide help over the phone or visit if it is a serious animal welfare issue. Please note this level 3 support is not free.

News & Alerts

NZ-wide: for drought-affected farmers, and those affected by floods eariier.

Thursday, April 2, 2020

Author: Terri Anderson

Feed planning service flyer
MPI and partner agencies DairyNZ, Beef + Lamb NZ, AgFirst and Federated Farmers are providing remote feed planning support to farmers.
How it works
This service is based on level of need and operates on three levels:
1. In the first instance, we’ll work out how much feed you need. A call to an industry or levy body will get you a free stock...

Advice for rural people

Friday, February 14, 2020

Author: Terri Anderson

For all drought information refer to Northland Regional Council: 0800 002 004
https://www.nrc.govt.nz/environment/drought/
https://bewaterwise.org.nz/
https://www.nrc.govt.nz/environment/drought/where-to-find-help-in-northland/
We all know that droughts can be long and relentless. Look after...

Where to find help

We are more than just an ear to listen

Thursday, November 14, 2019

Author: Terri Anderson

Your regional Rural Support Trust (RST) is on-hand to support farmers being affected by M. bovis.
Our services are free and confidential.
As well as someone to talk to about your concerns, we can help you navigate through the process. We have training in and experience with the M. bovis programme, and know how it works.
Whatever your experience looks like, we can help in many ways...

What to do in case of severe rain/storm

Monday, December 24, 2018

Author: Terri Anderson

Before severe rain
· Keep an eye on weather reports and enact your plans for moving stock and supplementary feed to higher ground if needed.
· Clear gutters and drains where possible
· Have to hand a smartphone, a charger for the car, a torch, and a battery-powered radio
· Check your insurance cover details
During a flood or storm...

Facts and Links

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Author: Julie Jonker

WHAT IS MYCOPLASMA BOVIS
• Mycoplasma bovis causes illness in cattle including mastitis, abortion, pneumonia, and arthritis.
• Silent spreaders – cows can be infected but not ill.
• It does not infect...

Storm surges and king tides

Tuesday, January 9, 2018

Author: Terri Anderson

What happens to farmland which has been flooded by seawater?
The impact will depend on how long the crop or pasture is covered by seawater. If it’s only for a short time – up to 48 hours – and gets good rainfall, grasses should bounce back.
Rain is needed to wash the salt away. It’s likely the saltwater was diluted by the rains during the storm which...

It’s easy to see if there’s a flood or an earthquake, but drought’s an odd one to call. When does a dry spell become a drought?

Friday, December 8, 2017

Author: Terri Anderson

It’s easy to see if there’s a flood or an earthquake, but drought’s an odd one to call. When does a dry spell become a drought?
Dry spells and droughts are part of life for many farmers across New Zealand. Farmers monitor their local conditions, plan for dry weather, and make tough decisions early.
MPI doesn’t declare droughts, but help to identify if the impacts...